The Vatican has decided not to participate at President Donald Trump’s newly proposed ‘Board of Peace.’ This initiative was part of Trump’s Gaza proposal aimed at supporting a delicate ceasefire last October. The board plans to meet in Washington this Thursday to focus on rebuilding efforts in Gaza and possibly extend its mission to address global conflicts.
According to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s chief diplomat, the Church does not intend to participate in the initiative, highlighting that the Vatican functions differently from regular sovereign states. Parolin emphasized in a statement released on Wednesday that the Holy See believes in the primacy of the United Nations for managing international crises. This position has been consistently maintained by the Vatican.
Pope Leo, the first American-born pontiff, received Trump’s invitation back in January. Despite the Vatican’s expansive global diplomatic network and its permanent observer status at the United Nations, it rarely engages directly in political governing institutions.
Trump, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, noted that invitations were extended to 60 countries to be a part of this board. Thus far, over 20 nations, including Israel, Argentina, Russia, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia, have expressed willingness to participate.
Notably, several key Western nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, have opted out. In addition, a dispute over tariffs led Trump to withdraw an invitation extended to Canada, amid disagreements with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
